Milwaukee Avenue In Wicker Park Goes Car-Free During Inaugural Pedestrian Pilot

Wicker Park's Meet Me On Milwaukee event debuted on Sunday, closing Milwaukee Avenue to vehicle traffic and inviting pedestrians and cyclists to explore local shops and eateries. This pilot program, initiated by Ald. Daniel La Spata and the Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce, seeks to enhance foot traffic and support local businesses. Mayor Brandon Johnson visited the event, calling it a successful model for business corridors in Chicago. Shop owners noted a significant increase in customer visits compared to typical Sundays, with some reporting steady sales throughout the day.

The event will return on September 28 and October 26, incorporating additional community programs. La Spata highlighted the goals of safety and enjoyment for neighbors during these closures. Owner Amanda Kezios discussed the challenges her business faces due to external factors like tariffs but expressed optimism about the event's impact on community engagement. The initiative aligns with other local events that foster experiential shopping and strengthen neighborhood ties.